The Phillies, fresh off their first series loss of the season, are in San Diego this evening to begin a four game set with the Padres. Tonight's game one battle, which is scheduled for a 10:05pm ET start at Petco Park, features high profile hurlers Roy Oswalt and Mat Latos. The latest MLB Odds have the game listed as a -110 moneyline pick'em; however, the Padres are a +1.5 (-175) runline favorite. The game total is set at six with the Over drawing -120 odds.
Philadelphia fell to the Brewers at home on Monday and Tuesday, but it bounced back yesterday with a 4-3 win to prevent a 
three game sweep. The victory helped the 11-6 Phillies maintain their first place standing in the National League East by just a half game (Marlins 10-6).
Philadelphia, which has averaged just 2.6 runs per game in its last five outings, managed a meager six hits in yesterday's ball game. That proved to be enough, though, as Cliff Lee and three different relievers held the powerful Brewers in check.
Roy Oswalt will not face the same challenge tonight as he takes the hill in the league's most pitcher friendly park. Oswalt will also be facing a San Diego lineup that has produced a mere 60 runs on the season (29th).
The Mississippi native has been dominant in his first three starts, allowing 14 hits, five earned runs, and four walks while striking out 14 (18 innings pitched).
San Diego comes into this evening's contest sitting last in the National League West with a 8-10 record. The Padres did overcome the Cubs last night by a score of 5-4 to salvage the finale of a rain shortened four game set.
San Diego, which has not won back-to-back games since beating the Cardinals twice in a row to open the season, will go for its second straight victory with 23 year old Mat Latos toeing the rubber.
Latos, who posted a 2.92 ERA and 1.08 WHIP last season, is off to a slow start after allowing eight hits (three home runs) and eight earned runs in 12 innings pitched. The right hander has struck out 13 while walking just four, though, and opponents are hitting a meager .182 against him.
Philadelphia won five out of seven in this series last year, including all three games the two squads played at Petco Park. In fact, the Phillies have not lost at San Diego since August of 2008.
Phillies vs Padres Odds 2011 MLB Predictions:
Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (+155), Over 6 (-120), -110 (Moneyline)
San Diego Padres +1.5 (-175), Under 6 (+100), -110 (Moneyline)
